DRI Seizes 231.8 Kg Methamphetamine in Northeast
Three arrested and four trucks seized in coordinated operations across Assam and Tripura
GG News Bureau
Guwahati/Agartala, 16th Sept: The Directorate of Revenue Intelligence (DRI) has busted a major drug-smuggling syndicate in the Northeast, seizing 231.8 kg of suspected methamphetamine tablets in coordinated operations across Assam and Tripura and arresting three people.
The intelligence-led operation was conducted on September 15, 2026, with DRI teams intercepting four trucks suspected of transporting large consignments of the contraband.
In the first operation, a suspected truck was intercepted at Ramnathpur, Assam, around 100 km from Silchar, with assistance from the 38 Battalion, Assam Rifles. A search of the vehicle led to the recovery of 275 packets weighing 55 kg, containing pinkish-orange tablets suspected to be methamphetamine. The packets were concealed in the roof of the driver’s cabin.
A second truck carrying a similar consignment was subsequently located nearby. Although its driver and handyman were not present, a detailed search resulted in the recovery of 271 packets weighing 54.2 kg.
Together, the two vehicles yielded 109.2 kg of suspected methamphetamine tablets. The contraband and both vehicles were seized under the provisions of the NDPS Act, and one person was arrested.
In a simultaneous operation, DRI officers intercepted another goods carrier carrying a declared consignment of cement at Teliamura, around 45 km from Agartala, Tripura, with assistance from the 28 Battalion, Assam Rifles.
A search of the vehicle uncovered 295 plastic packets containing 72.6 kg of suspected methamphetamine tablets, concealed inside the roof of the driver’s cabin. The vehicle and contraband were seized, and the driver was arrested.
Further intelligence generated during the operation led DRI officers to another truck allegedly linked to the same syndicate near Panisagar, Tripura.
A search resulted in the recovery of another 50 kg of suspected methamphetamine tablets, which had also been concealed in the vehicle. The truck and contraband were seized and its driver was arrested.
The coordinated operations brought the total seizure to 231.8 kg of suspected methamphetamine tablets, with three persons arrested and all four trucks seized.
The latest action follows two intelligence-led operations conducted by the DRI in August 2026 near Silchar and Mizoram, during which 76 kg of methamphetamine tablets were seized. In those cases too, the contraband was allegedly concealed inside vehicles.
The DRI said the latest operation represents one of the largest methamphetamine seizures in the Northeast, with the estimated illicit street value of the seized consignment running into several hundred crore rupees.
Further investigation into the smuggling network and the persons involved is underway.
